Instant Approval Credit Cards You Can Use Today

These credit cards offer instant approval and let you use the credit card right away — even before you have the card in your hands. (Approval is not guaranteed, however.)

Amazon Visa – Once your application is approved, your new Amazon Rewards Visa is added to your Amazon.com account as the default payment method. You can then use it to make purchases on Amazon on that same day, but you’ll have to wait for the card to come in the mail to use it outside of Amazon. You’ll also have a $50 gift card to use immediately after approval ($70 if Amazon Prime member).

American Express Cards – American Express credit cards and charge cards now give you the possibility of getting an Instant Card Number to use today, even before you have the card. Here’s what they say specifically: “Eligibility is based on our ability to instantly validate your identity. If you are eligible…, you will receive an Instant Card Number that you can use virtually anywhere American Express is accepted and a physical Card will not be required. You may not have access to your full credit line to use anywhere the Card is accepted until after you confirm receipt of your physical Card.”

Belk Credit Card – Open a Belk credit card and assuming you are approved, you’ll get an instant 15% to 20% off any items you buy today with your new card. Also offers an ongoing rewards program.

Best Buy Credit Card – “Apply today, shop today.” Major electronics/appliance superstore offers Visa or store-only cards you can get approved for instantly — and use online immediately. Offers a rewards program and/or special financing on your purchases.

Gap Credit Cards – “Apply Now and Save Today” is the message from the Gap when it comes to instant credit you can use immediately. You’ll get 15% off your first online order with the card, and the card is accepted at the other Gap family stores, too — Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta.

Ikea Visa – “If you have been approved for an IKEA Visa credit card in an IKEA store or online, you will be able to use your newly opened account on the same day transaction.” Earn 5% in rewards on Ikea purchases, plus other reward opportunities. Redeem rewards for Ikea gift cards after reaching $15.

JCPenney Credit Card – Offers instant approval and, if you use it today, you’ll save 15%-20% on your purchases (except only 5% on major appliances and a few other high-end items). You can also combine the 15%-20% off with any other JCPenney discount coupons you may have.

Kohl’s Credit Card – Kohl’s dances around the language a bit, offering 25%-30% off your first day’s purchases and saying you’ll get another 15% off discount when your card arrives in the mail — all of which suggests instant approval and immediate use. However, their site does say “Most applications can be processed within 60 seconds. In some instances, an application may require some additional time to process, and the account may not be available for immediate use.”

Macy’s Credit Card – Not only can you get instant approval on this card and use it today, you’ll also get 20% off your purchases with the card today and tomorrow.

Neiman Marcus Credit Card – This good-credit card will give 5,000 points (worth $50 in future purchases) if you are instantly approved and use the card to make a purchase today.

Nordstrom Credit Cards – Offers a Nordstrom-only credit card as well as a Nordstrom Visa that is accepted everywhere Visa is accepted. A message on the application page says “If approved, you can sign in to access your card online and start shopping right away.”

Overstock MasterCard – “Apply. Be Approved. Use your card in as little as 60 seconds.” Besides the joys of instant approval, this card also gives you $20 in reward dollars after you are approved and the ability to earn Overstock rewards anywhere MasterCard is accepted.

Ulta Beauty Credit Card – You can use this card on the same day you are approved both online or in an Ulta store. Note that if you are approved online, you can use the card for an immediate Ulta purchase online, but, after that purchase, you’ll need to wait to get the physical card in the mail before making any further purchases. Offers a MasterCard or store-only card depending on your credit history. This card allows you to earn extra points in the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program.

Walmart Credit Cards – Offers a Walmart store-only credit card and a Walmart MasterCard if your credit history is good enough to qualify. Instant approval and you can use it today — in fact you’ll get $25 off your first day purchases (of $25 or more).

Williams Sonoma Credit Card – You’ll get “20% off today when you open and use your Williams Sonoma credit card!” You’ll also get other bonuses when you get your card in the mail, and 5% in rewards on your Williams Sonoma purchases.

Academy Sports & Outdoor Visa – “Shop instantly” and get $15 toward your first card purchase when you apply and are approved today for this sporting goods and outdoor gear store credit card.

Amazon.com Store Card – On the application you’ll find this message: “Instant credit decision in as little as 15 seconds.” This card is issued by Synchrony Bank and is only accepted at Amazon.com.

Apple Rewards Visa – Finance your Apple products at special rates and also earn points on purchases at Apple and other retailers, too. Issued by Barclaycard. “Apply at Barclaycard, Shop right away” is the instant approval, instant use message promoting this card.

Bergdorf Goodman Credit Card – The instant approval promo message: “Receive 5,000 InCircle Bonus Points when you open an account and make a purchase on the same day.” Earn reward points on all your other card purchases, too.

Bloomingdale’s Credit Card – You can get approved today and use your card to get 15% off all of the purchases you make today and tomorrow, up to a $250 savings. You’ll also earn “Loyallist” rewards on all of your purchases with the card.

Goodyear Credit Card – “You will get an instant decision. If approved, you can start shopping in-store or online today.” Mostly you can only buy tires with this one, though.

Sandals Visa Signature – This credit card that offers rewards for those who vacation at Sandals resorts has a message for those who want to use their card immediately: “Apply now and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. If you are approved today, use your Sandals Visa® card immediately to book your next Sandals vacation and start earning points faster.”